Concerns over safety have surrounded the new bicycling and pedestrian path on the Mario M. Cuomo Bridge. This bicycling and pedestrian path is 3.6 miles long and has drawn tens of thousands of visitors since the path opened on June 15. Criticisms of the path include claims that the path is too small at only 12 feet in width.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents Have Taken Place on the Bike Path
Since the pathway opened, there have been six bicycle and pedestrian accidents that require emergency response. A local lawmaker is requesting that the State Thruway Authority considers making safety changes to the new shared path.
Another local official has suggested that the state limit pedestrian or bicycle traffic to designated times, if it is not possible to widen the path. If the Thruway Authority has noticed that the path’s design is inherently dangerous, they may be liable for bicycle accidents or pedestrian accidents that take place on the path.
The Thruway Authority has stated that they have posted additional signs that should increase safety. They have also limited the speed of bicyclists to 5 miles-per-hour near the six different scenic overlooks on the bridge. A spokesman for the Thruway authority requested that cyclists and pedestrians remain aware of their surroundings so that everyone can have a safe and enjoyable experience.
Bicycling is Exceptionally Dangerous in the United States
While bicycling is good for the environment, it is exceptionally dangerous in the United States. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development recently published a report that found that Americans are the least avid cyclists in the world. Americans are also the most likely bicyclists to get killed while biking.
The report found that 17%of all cycling deaths involved a hit-and-run crash in which one or more people involved fled the scene. In 46% of cases, law enforcement officers determined that motor vehicles did not contribute to the bicycle accident. Additionally, many bicycle accidents involved blood alcohol contents of .08 mg/ltr or higher, which constitutes drunk driving.
Most fatal bicycle-vehicle collisions involved a light truck, such as a Sports Utility Vehicle or a passenger car. A smaller proportion, 10% of all fatal vehicle-bicycle collisions, involved a large truck. Many fatal bicycle crashes occurred in intersections, approximately 36%.
Bicycle accidents are incredibly dangerous. Serious bicycle accidents are often fatal for the bicyclist. When we consider these facts, the narrow pathway at the Mario M. Cuomo Bridge seems even more dangerous.
Contact Our Experienced Bicycle Accident Lawyers
If you or your loved one suffered a serious injury due to a bicycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation. The sooner you speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer, the better. Contact Pulvers Thompson today to schedule your initial consultation.
